What are the intersections of faith, culture and counselling? Myira Khan and Mick Cooper—with Nicola Blunden as Chair—explore our personal identities as a Muslim woman and Jewish man, and how this intersects with our professional training and identities. Through open dialogue, we discuss how global events shape our clinical practice and the unique perspectives we bring to the therapeutic space and training by our faith and cultural identities. We also talk about the prejudices and microaggressions we have faced in the counselling and professional world beyond.

How does identity impact on professional life? Myira and Mick reveal the weight of representation and the complexities of navigating professional spaces with unique cultural and faith perspectives. We share personal accounts of the delicate balance between being voices for our communities and individual expression. We confront the invisible struggles and stereotypes faced in interfaith spaces, and emphasize the importance of privilege awareness and proactive steps to dismantle harmful biases.

In this thought-provoking episode, we culminate with rich discussions about the personal significance of religious attire, such as Myira's choice to wear the hijab, and the judgments faced by individuals. Our exchange underlines the importance of compassion and open communication in training and counselling services. Join us to understand the emotional and mental challenges practitioners face to celebrate the value of community and support among peers across different faiths and cultures, and the profound impact on existence and belonging.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Dr Ben Mullings, counselling psychologist, has been a fierce advocate for mental health reform in Australia. In this podcast dialogue, Ben describes his journey of establishing the Alliance for Better Access campaign, the battles against Medicare cutbacks, and his pivotal role in establishing the Australian Mental Health Party—the first of its kind worldwide. This conversation is a deep dive into the complexities of shaping policy, the resilience required to challenge political indifference, and the undying spirit of community rallying for the rights to accessible mental health care.

Navigating the political landscape requires more than just knowledge; it demands personal grit and a will to reveal the human stories behind policy statistics. Ben takes us through his personal experiences of adversity that ignited his drive to forge a path for others to follow. We trace the steps from his own struggles with homelessness to his empowerment through education and into the heart of political advocacy. It's a story that unravels the often-unseen intersection of mental health with social policies and the persistent myth that well-being is a mere consequence of employment and education. Through Ben's lens, we uncover the intricate layers of policy reform and the necessity for systems that authentically support each individual's journey.

The trials and triumphs of creating a political party are numerous, yet Ben's account of launching the Australian Mental Health Party is a testament to the tireless pursuit of a fairer world. He candidly explores the hurdles—from protecting members' privacy to sculpting a platform that intertwines health, education, and economic policies with human welfare at their core. This episode is an invitation to reflect on the balance of personal sacrifice and the quest for inclusive policymaking. Ben's story is a poignant reminder of the power of solidarity and the essential role of community engagement in the relentless pursuit of humanistic change.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Emmy van Deurzen is a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Not only has Emmy led a global renaissance of existential therapy, but she has been figural to the development of psychotherapy in the UK and across Europe. Today, she is at the forefront of the Existential Movement, which strives to bring existential ideas to social and political life.

Emmy's narrative weaves the psychological aftermath of World War II with an unyielding pursuit of understanding and global improvement. Through her lens, we gain invaluable insight into existential philosophy's impact on social activism and how it shapes one's dedication to fostering global change.

Venturing into the therapeutic realms, Emmy describes phenomenology and its profound potential for psychotherapy and for global wellbeing. By embracing the complexity of each individual's perspective, she highlights how subjective realities converge within the therapeutic community, creating a healing narrative tapestry.

In our final segments, we probe the fluid nature of identity and the urgency of ecological consciousness. Emmy shares her vision for a harmonious coexistence with nature's diversity, advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainability and interconnectedness.

This episode not only invites reflection on our place within the cosmos but also challenges us to innovate collaboratively across cultures, fostering a global community poised to thrive. Join us as we unravel these compelling conversations, setting the stage for a future that embraces creativity, understanding, and a collective responsibility for our planet.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents